At Centre Stage Theatre Arts (CSTA), we believe that exceptional teachers are the heart of any great performing arts school. We’re proud to introduce you to our talented and passionate team, each bringing their own unique experiences and energy to help our students shine on stage. Whether your child is starting their journey in musical theatre or fine-tuning their performance skills, our teachers are here to guide, inspire, and nurture their creativity. Let’s get to know the wonderful people behind the scenes!
Laura-Jane
Director
Hi! I’m Laura-Jane, and my love for dance began when I was just 3 years old. I’ve trained in a wide range of dance styles, from Ballet to Street Jazz and Cheerleading, and I’m proud to be a certified IDTA and UKDDF Dance Teacher, as well as an NCSSE Cheerleading Coach. After more than a decade of teaching, I’m thrilled to return to Centre Stage, where my own performing arts journey began as a child.
The friendships, memories, and skills I gained at CSTA shaped my career and who I am today. It’s an honour to now guide the next generation of performers and to ensure every student feels supported, challenged, and inspired. With my background in dance and a BEd in Primary Education, I’m dedicated to making learning both fun and rewarding for all ages. I’m also incredibly proud of our fantastic teaching team, and I can’t wait for you to meet them too!
Jack
Musical Theatre Teacher & Manager
Jack has been performing since the age of 9 and has worked with a variety of local Derby companies, including Big Adventures and Derby Live Youth Theatre. After training at East 15 Acting School, where he specialised in Acting and Stage Combat, Jack has gone on to build a diverse career across the UK, performing in everything from *Elephant in the Room* in London to *Sleeping Beauty* at The Core Theatre in Solihull.
With six years of teaching experience, Jack brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the Centre Stage team. His students have achieved an incredible 100% pass rate in their acting and singing exams, all with either merits or distinctions. Jack is thrilled to be leading our Musical Theatre department and looks forward to working with our talented students as they take the stage!
Bethany
Minis Teacher
Bethany’s dance journey started at the age of 3, and she hasn’t stopped moving since! By the time she was 12, she had dived into musical theatre, and after years of training, she earned a First-Class BA Honours Degree in Theatre Dance from London Studio Centre. Bethany’s experience is as diverse as her training, having taught at Stagecoach, IdanceUK, and Showstoppers, all while performing professionally as a dancer in London.
We’re thrilled to have Bethany guiding our youngest performers in the Minis class, where she brings her passion and creativity to every session. Her goal is to help children discover their love for musical theatre while building confidence and skills in a fun, engaging environment.
Fliss
Singing Teacher
Fliss brings a rich background in both music performance and therapy to Centre Stage. She’s been singing since the age of 9, training classically while exploring a range of genres, including pop, musical theatre, and choral music. Since 2015, she’s been teaching students aged 4 to 74, helping them develop their vocal skills and confidence.
When she’s not teaching, Fliss performs as the lead singer for function band *House of Harmony* and works as a music therapist in SEN schools and neuro-rehabilitation. Her approach to teaching is all about making music fun, accessible, and empowering for every student.
Josephine
Dance Teacher
Josephine’s love for dance began at just 2 years old, and she’s been dancing ever since! Her journey has taken her through years of rigorous training in Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, and Stage Dance, culminating in a BA (Hons) in Performing Arts. After earning her teaching qualifications, Josephine has spent over 30 years sharing her passion for dance with young performers across Derby.
Since joining Centre Stage in 2007, Josephine has been a cornerstone of our dance department, teaching everything from Ballet to Theatre Craft. She’s also an experienced choreographer, bringing to life incredible productions like *Chicago* and *Legally Blonde*. Josephine is deeply committed to helping her students develop their technical skills while fostering a sense of community and creativity.
Tom
Drama Teacher
Tom is a professional actor and director with a wealth of experience in the theatre industry. After training at two of the UK’s leading drama schools, Tom has worked on numerous productions across the country, both on stage and behind the scenes as a director.
We’re thrilled to welcome Tom to the Centre Stage family, where his passion for performance and storytelling shines through in his teaching. Tom is excited to work with our students, helping them build confidence, explore new characters, and develop their skills in drama.
At Centre Stage Theatre Arts, our teachers are more than just instructors – they’re mentors, role models, and passionate performers who love what they do. Whether it’s drama, dance, or singing, our team is here to help your child reach their full potential while having a great time along the way. We can’t wait for you to meet them in person!
At Centre Stage Theatre Arts, where creativity meets community, and every performance tells a story.
With two vibrant locations in Darley Abbey and Chellaston, we invite performers of all ages and abilities to join us on an exciting journey into the world of musical theatre.
From our youngest Minis to our experienced Headliners, our passionate teachers guide students through drama, singing, and dance classes, helping them shine on stage and beyond. Whether your passion is in acting, singing, or dancing, there’s a place for everyone at Centre Stage.
Here, you’ll discover not only a love for the arts but also lifelong friendships and unforgettable experiences.
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